Many fear our transportation system is in decline. But we’re leery about paying taxes and tolls to build transit, according to a survey for the Star.

They don’t want taxes or tolls, but more than half of Toronto area residents say they would support a congestion charge for motorists driving into the downtown, according to an Angus Reid poll for the Toronto Star.

Although most residents indicated they were relatively satisfied with the region’s transportation system, a majority would also like to see their daily commute improved. Many, however, fear that it’s only going to get worse in the coming decade.

While commuters are overwhelmingly opposed to the tax and toll schemes being floated to fund public transit improvements, the poll showed congestion fees were a measure they might be willing to consider.

Fifty-five per cent of the 1,001 people surveyed said they strongly or moderately support a congestion charge like the one used to curb traffic in central London, England. Only 38 per cent were opposed to such a fee.

Respondents living downtown gave the strongest support to a charge that would be levied on drivers entering the core at certain times.

“More than a toll, this is a way of addressing how to fund (transportation) but it’s a way also of just reducing congestion. I think anyone who comes to Toronto on a regular basis recognizes traffic’s a pretty big problem,” said Jaideep Mukerji, Angus Reid vice-president of public affairs.

The poll did not, however, determine how respondents would feel if they were personally affected by congestion fees, he said.

There was, however, solid opposition to a number of other money-making schemes.

A 1 per cent sales tax to fund transit was rejected by 67 per cent, and 54 per cent were opposed to highway tolls. Fifty-four per cent said a 10 per cent increase on the gas tax was a bad or very bad idea, compared with 34 per cent of respondents who thought it was a good idea.

While they may complain about traffic and transit service, 65 per cent of people can find something good to say about the transportation system.

Fifty-four per cent rated transportation in the Toronto area as good or very good. Only 40 per cent considered it poor. Forty-five per cent, however, indicated it had declined in the past decade and 40 per cent expect commutes will get worse in the next 10 years.

“Overall people don’t think it’s that bad. You do have a sense that things have got worse in the past 10 years, and there’s a pretty strong number of people that think it could get worse in the next five or 10 years,” said Mukerji.

The online survey of 1,001 Toronto area residents took place Oct. 28 to 31 and is accurate within plus or minus 3.1 per cent. The results have been statistically weighted to reflect statistical accuracy for the adult population of the city and region.

Forty-seven per cent of respondents said they commute by car, and 38 per cent used transit. Fourteen per cent walked and 6 per cent biked.

The average one-way commute among those polled was about 37 minutes. Etobicoke and Scarborough residents, who averaged 46- and 47-minute commutes respectively, had the longest trips, longer than those living in the 905-area communities.

While residents are split almost evenly on whether roads and bridges or public transit should receive more infrastructure funding, generally downtowners favoured transit investments more heavily than those in the suburbs.

An overwhelming majority believe that the provincial and municipal governments should build and operate transportation infrastructure, with only 6 per cent indicating the private sector should have responsibility.

When it comes to transit riders, 63 per cent are willing to pay more for better service.

Speed and cleanliness clearly count among transit users. The survey asked respondents to choose two of 11 possible transit improvements. More express bus and train service was the clear favourite, selected by 59 per cent. Twenty-five per cent said they would like cleaner vehicles.

“When you ask people, ‘Would you rather pay less or get better services?’ people overwhelmingly want service. In terms of the services they’re looking for, they’re not looking for the bells and whistles. They’re looking for transit service that basically runs on time, by almost a 2:1 margin,” said Mukerji.

Only 7 per cent chose more parking at TTC and GO stations.

The poll also showed many drivers would consider switching to transit if it saved them time.

While 10 per cent said they would definitely consider switching if transit took the same time as driving, 17 per cent would definitely consider it if it saved 10 minutes on a one-way trip; 35 per cent if it saved 20 minutes and 46 per cent said they would definitely consider switching if they could save 30 minutes one way.

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SOME NUMBERS FROM THE POLL

47% Percentage of people who drive to work

33% Want lower fares

67% Want improved service

15% Say the GTA’s transportation system works well

4% Say transportation will significantly improve in five years

43% Would not switch to transit even it took the same amount of time

38% Think road tolls are a good idea

6% Think a 1 per cent sales tax is a very good idea

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